PHOENIX — After a turbulent start to his Phoenix Suns career marked by repeated hamstring injuries, Jalen Green appears to be trending in the right direction, according to team General Manager Brian Gregory. The 23-year-vintage guard is “in a good place heading into the last 27 games” of the regular season, benefiting from the timing of the All-Star break following a stretch of increased playing time.
Green recently played his most minutes in a two-game span (37 minutes per game) since joining the Suns, averaging 10 points and 3.5 assists. While those numbers are below his full potential, Gregory emphasized the significance of Green completing consecutive games after struggling to do so throughout his recovery. The Suns are currently navigating a competitive Western Conference playoff race, and Green’s health and development are crucial to their postseason aspirations.
A Hamstring History and a Hip Contusion
Green’s path to consistent playing time hasn’t been easy. He initially re-aggravated a hamstring injury during preseason training camp, then again in his second regular-season game with Phoenix. A 2.5-month absence followed, only for the hamstring issue to resurface upon his return. Most recently, Green suffered a hip contusion after a hard fall, adding another layer of complexity to his recovery. Only the hamstring was listed as an issue in his most recent missed game, according to team reports.
Promising Synergy with Devin Booker
Despite the injury setbacks, early returns suggest a potentially potent pairing between Green and All-Star guard Devin Booker. In the 59 minutes they’ve shared the court, the Suns have a net rating of +20. According to NBA.com stats, that’s among the best net ratings of any two-man Phoenix pairing, trailing only two other combinations with at least that much playing time. NBA.com’s advanced lineup stats display the positive impact of their on-court chemistry.
Gregory acknowledged the small sample size but expressed optimism about the duo’s potential. “His explosiveness, his ability to receive to the basket, his perceive for the game, I think those two guys together are going to form one of the best backcourts, if not the best in the NBA, as we move forward,” Gregory said. “Especially down the road as they get to play more and get a better feel for each other.”
Beyond the Stats: Green’s Engagement
Gregory also highlighted Green’s commitment to improvement and his proactive approach to understanding the game. The Suns GM praised Green for staying engaged with coaches during his time on the sidelines, discussing strategies and nuances in a way that demonstrated a high level of basketball IQ. This dedication, Gregory believes, will accelerate Green’s integration into the team’s system.
Playoff Push in the West
The Suns currently hold the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference with a 34-29 record as of February 22, 2026. They trail the No. 6 seed by 1.5 games, putting them in contention to avoid the Play-In Tournament. The San Antonio Spurs currently lead the West with a 41-22 record. Phoenix will resume its season on Thursday with a road game against the Spurs, a key matchup in the conference standings.
The team’s success hinges not only on Green’s continued health but also on his ability to build chemistry with Booker and contribute consistently on both ends of the court. Gregory believes Green’s unique skillset fills a void in the Suns’ roster. “He brings a lot of stuff that, at times, we’re lacking. So, I think his fit is going to be really, really good.”
The league, Gregory noted, has demonstrated that recovery from soft tissue injuries is rarely linear. The focus remains on managing Green’s workload and ensuring he’s in optimal condition for both the immediate playoff push and the long-term future of the franchise.
Fans can follow the Suns’ progress and receive updates on Green’s status through the team’s official website and social media channels.
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